Every once in a while, a senior steps out of the car, looks at me, and says something like,

“Okay… I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”

First of all, if you’ve ever thought that, you’re in very good company.

Second…

My answer is always the same.

“Perfect. That’s my job.”

I always get a little laugh, and just like that, the tension starts to disappear.

Because here’s the truth:

I don’t expect anyone to show up knowing how to model.

If you did, my job would be a whole lot easier… but probably a lot less fun.

The First Few Minutes Aren’t Really About Pictures

People are often surprised that I don’t immediately grab my camera and start firing away.

Sure, I have the camera with me.

But that’s not where my attention is.

I’m paying attention to you.

Are you quiet?

Chatty?

A little nervous?

Do you loosen up when we start talking about sports? Your job? Your dog? Your favorite coffee order?

(You’d be amazed what I learn in those first few minutes.)

Because before I ever worry about lighting, posing, or camera settings, I’m trying to figure out what makes you feel comfortable.

I’m Looking for Your Personality, Not Your “Photo Face”

Almost everyone has a “photo smile.”

You know the one.

The smile you automatically make when someone says,

“Say cheese!”

It’s polite.

It’s fine.

But it usually isn’t you.

I’m far more interested in the laugh that happens when your mom tells an embarrassing story.

The eye roll when your little brother photobombs.

The grin that sneaks out when I make a terrible joke.

Those are the moments I’m chasing.

Because those are the ones your family recognizes.

The Camera Isn’t the Most Important Part

This surprises people.

The camera is just the tool.

The experience is what creates the photograph.

If you feel stiff, your photos will probably feel stiff.

If you’re worried about doing everything perfectly, you’ll spend the whole session thinking instead of enjoying it.

That’s why I spend time helping you settle in before I ever expect you to “perform.”

Spoiler alert: you’re not performing.

You’re just being yourself.

Somewhere Along the Way…

It happens every session.

We stop talking about posing.

You stop asking if you’re doing it right.

You forget where your hands are.

You’re laughing.

Walking.

Talking.

And then I’ll glance down at the back of my camera and think,

“There you are.”

That’s the person your parents see every day.

That’s the person your friends know.

That’s the person I wanted to photograph all along.

Parents Notice It Too

One of my favorite things is watching parents during a session.

They usually start out just as nervous as their senior.

Then, somewhere in the middle of the session, they relax.

They stop worrying whether their teenager is smiling enough.

Instead, they’re smiling.

Because they can see it happening.

Their child isn’t just taking pictures anymore.

They’re enjoying themselves.

As a parent myself, I know that’s the part you’ll remember long after the session is over.

You Don’t Need Experience

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need to practice in the mirror.

If you’re still wondering what you should do before your session, I put together a guide on how to prepare for your senior photo session that covers everything from choosing outfits to getting ready the week before.

You don’t need to spend hours on Pinterest memorizing ideas.

You don’t even need to consider yourself photogenic.

You just need to show up.

I’ll guide you through the rest.

One conversation.

One laugh.

One photo at a time.

The Bottom Line

So if you’re nervous about your senior session, let me let you in on a little secret.

You’re exactly the kind of senior I love photographing.

Because confidence isn’t something I expect you to bring with you.

That’s actually one of the biggest misconceptions about senior portraits. I wrote another blog explaining why some seniors look more confident in their photos than others, and the answer has very little to do with being naturally photogenic.

It’s something I hope you leave with.

And honestly…

That’s a much better place to start than a perfectly practiced pose.

Continue the Series

Next Wednesday: The Best Senior Photos Usually Happen Between the Poses

Because some of my favorite images happen right after everyone thinks we’re finished.